Academic Advisement, Progression and Support Services

General Information

Semester System

Courses are offered in fall and spring semesters, each comprising fourteen weeks plus an additional week at the close of each semester for exams. There are two summer session schedule formats: one eleven-week session, and two five-week one-half terms.

Students entering the university only for a summer session(s) must meet all admission requirements or be approved visitors from another institution. See the Admission and Readmission  section of this catalog or contact the Office of Admissions www.ecu.edu/admissions for further information. Graduate students should consult with staff in the Graduate School.

Academic Calendars

Academic calendars for fall and spring semesters as well as summer sessions and the university’s examination schedule are available at http://www.ecu.edu/fsonline/senate/fscalend.cfm.

Classification of Students

In a regular semester, a student who registers for 12 or more semester hours is classified as full time. A student registered for less than 12 semester hours is classified as part-time. In order to graduate in eight semesters of attendance, a student in a typical degree program (120-128 semester hours) must average 15-16 semester hours of credit per semester.

Students will be classified as to class standing as follows:

Academic Advisement

To assist students in their academic programs, the university has established in each college, school, and department a system of academic advising, whereby the student is assigned to a faculty member or a professional advisor who serves as his or her advisor. The advisor works with the student to identify appropriate majors; assists during registration; keeps a record of the student’s progress; and is available throughout the year for additional advising. To obtain the name of advisors, students should go to www.ecu.edu/advising/advisors.cfm.

Advisors will make every attempt to give effective guidance to students in academic matters and to refer students to those qualified to help them in other matters. However, the responsibility for meeting all academic requirements for a selected program rests with the student.

Declaring or Changing a Major or Minor

To earn a degree in a timely manner, it is recommended that all students declare a major as soon as possible. Students should consult their academic advisor regarding the timing process for declaring a major and/or minor. Students should declare the major by the time they have earned sixty (60) semester hours of credit.

To declare (to be admitted to) a major, a student must complete the admission requirements for the program and complete the formal admission process as specified by the program. Students may choose to earn a baccalaureate degree, two baccalaureate degrees simultaneously (dual degree), or a double major. Students who hold a baccalaureate degree and wish to pursue a second undergraduate degree will follow the requirements for a dual degree.

Student athletes and pre-health/pre-law students are assigned to academic advisors in their majors. An advisor in their major, as well as the Pre-Professional Advising Center for Allied Health, Medicine, Dentistry, and Law, provide monitoring and support in helping these students to meet their program requirements.

If a degree program requires a minor, the minor must be identified at the time the student declares his or her major and must be approved by the major chair or dean or his or her designee. All BA degrees require a minor unless the degree requirements include a concentration and/or specified cognates. (See Academic Requirements for Degrees and Minors.)

The process for changing a major or minor is the same as declaring a major or minor.

Registration

Preparing to Register

Prior to registration, each undergraduate student develops a schedule containing no more than 18 hours of primary courses and a list of alternate courses (each summer session cannot exceed seven hours of courses). Students must meet with his/her advisor for course approval as indicated by the advisor’s signature on the registration form or with the receipt of a registration pin number. All special permissions (e.g., extra hours, majors only courses, dean/chairperson’s permissions, etc.) for course registration must be secured in writing and may only be entered by the Office of the Registrar or the academic department.

Registration Personal Information Number (PIN)

Each semester students receive a PIN to register for classes on Banner. It is recommended that the PIN be written on the registration form so each student will have the proper documentation to register. Graduates and nondegree students do not require a PIN to register.

Registering for Courses

Currently enrolled students may use Banner Self Service through Pirate Port to register for courses. For information about how to register for courses, course wait lists, viewing course seat availability, adding courses and dropping courses, please go to the Office of the Registrar’s website.

Academic Requirements for Degrees and Minors

Baccalaureate Degree Requirements

The bachelor’s degree may be conferred by the university upon the student’s application when the student has earned the minimum number of semester hours of credit required for the degree by the major department or school, has met the general education requirements, and has fulfilled all requirements of the major/minor program. (See department, school, and college listings. Also see following paragraphs for additional requirements.)

The university does not award degrees solely because a student successfully completed the required courses. Violations of the student code of conduct, including both academic and nonacademic violations, may result in a degree not being awarded. For example, when the student has disciplinary charges pending, the degree may be withheld or the awarding of the degree may be delayed.

A degree from East Carolina University requires a minimum of 120 semester hours. A minimum of 25 percent of the credit hours required for the degree and at least 50 percent of the total hours required in the major must be completed through enrollment in East Carolina University. The required resident study does not need to be accomplished in consecutive semesters. Fifty percent (one-half) of the minimum semester hours required in the degree must be earned through enrollment in a regionally-accredited senior college.

Dual Degree or Double Major Requirements

Students in good standing may choose to pursue a dual degree or double major. When making this decision, students are advised to take the following into consideration:

1. Major-specific requirements for declaration (such as minimum or competitive GPAs, application processes and deadlines, and auditions or portfolio reviews)
2. Additional time to graduate to complete requirements of multiple majors and feasibility of sequencing required coursework 
3. Impact of additional courses on financial aid caps and financial aid eligibility
4. Additional coursework demands and impact on GPA
5. Additional writing intensive requirement (dual degree)

Earning a Dual Degree
A student may choose to earn two baccalaureate degrees simultaneously. To satisfy the requirements for dual baccalaureate degrees at East Carolina University, the student must complete the requirements for one baccalaureate degree program and also complete a minimum of an additional 30 semester hours through course enrollment at ECU for the other degree. Accordingly, two diplomas are awarded. Other pertinent information for dual degree students includes the following:

1. The dual degree may count any number of hours from the primary degree toward the secondary degree. 
2. The student will be advised by both departments and a separate degree review will be completed by each.
3. All dual degree students will be required to complete at least three semester hours of writing-intensive (WI) course work within the major area of each degree.
4. General education requirements for one degree may be used to satisfy the general education requirements for the other degree; however, the required general education courses for the secondary degree must be met. All other degree requirements, such as demonstration of proficiency in a foreign language (if required), must be met and may not be waived.

Earning a Double Major
Instead of earning two degrees, a student may choose to earn one baccalaureate degree and add a second major.  One diploma is awarded that lists both the primary and the secondary major. The degree conferred will be that of the primary program. Only the total hours required for the primary degree program requirement need to be completed, as no additional hours are required. Other pertinent information for double major students includes the following:

1. The double major may count any number of hours from the primary major toward the secondary major. 
2. The student will be advised by both departments and a separate degree review will be completed by each.
3. Double major students are not required to complete additional writing-intensive (WI) course work.
4. General education requirements for the primary major may be used to satisfy the general education requirements for the secondary major unless there are prerequisites or co-requisites required for courses in the second major. If the primary major does not require a foreign language, the student is not required to demonstrate proficiency in a foreign language even if it is required by the secondary major. 

Table 1: Dual Degree Versus Double Major

Second Undergraduate Degree Requirements

A student who currently holds a baccalaureate degree may enroll in a second baccalaureate degree program. The student must meet the curriculum requirements for the second undergraduate degree in the catalog under which he or she enters or in some subsequent catalog, and must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours in enrollment at ECU. No student will be permitted to complete the second degree under a catalog issued more than three years prior to the date of completion of the second degree.

In evaluating curriculum requirements for the second undergraduate degree, the academic unit offering the second degree will determine whether general education requirements from the first undergraduate degree satisfy general education requirements for the second degree. However, any foreign language requirements for the second degree must be fully met and may not be waived. All second degree students will be required to complete at least three semester hours of writing intensive course work in the major.

A student pursuing a second undergraduate degree must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA. In determining the GPA, only attempted hours toward the second degree will be counted. Grade points earned in the first degree will not apply in determination of academic eligibility while a student is enrolled for a second degree. However, the GPAs from the first and second undergraduate degrees will be used in the consideration of a degree with distinction.

Minor Requirements

If a degree program requires a minor, the minor must be identified at the time the student declares his or her major and must be approved by the department chair or dean or his or her designee. All BA degrees require a minor, unless the degree requirements include a concentration and/or specified cognates; however, some BA degrees may require a concentration or cognates in addition to a minor.

A minor requires 18-30 semester hours of credit.

Additional Requirements for Degrees

Cognate and Professional Course Requirements

Many baccalaureate programs have requirements in addition to course work in general education, in the major field, and in the minor field. These additional requirements may be labeled cognate courses or professional courses required for teacher certification. Cognates, minor courses, and courses used for the second major may be used to satisfy general education requirements, except where prohibited. Professional courses required for teacher certification may not be used to satisfy general education requirements.

Diversity Requirements

Undergraduate students are required to complete two three-hour diversity courses: one course with a domestic diversity focus and one with a global diversity focus. These courses can be chosen from courses that meet the general education requirements, courses in the student’s major that do not receive general education credit, or electives that do not receive general education credit and are not in the student’s major.

Courses that transfer to ECU as equivalent to an ECU course that is approved for diversity credit receive diversity credit. Transfer courses that are not equivalent to existing ECU diversity courses may be approved for diversity credit by the General Education and Instructional Effectiveness Committee.

Global and domestic diversity course learning outcomes can be found at http://www.ecu.edu/cs-acad/fsonline/customcf/facultysenate/resolutions/2017/17-45RevisedGeneralEducationProgram.pdf or in the General Education Program section of this catalog (see Competency Areas, Global and Domestic Diversity Competencies).

Courses that Carry Diversity (DD, GD) Credit

A list of courses that have been awarded the domestic and global diversity designations can be viewed by going to the course section of this catalog.

Diversity Competency Area Credit Hour Requirements

The diversity requirement is 6 semester hours as follows:

1. Domestic Diversity (DD) - 3 semester hours at any level (1000-4000)
2. Global Diversity (GD) - 3 semester hours at any level (1000-4000)

General Education Requirements

General Education Program

Information about East Carolina University’s General Education Program is located in the General Education Program  section of this catalog. There you will be able to view the program’s vision statement, information about general education competencies and course credit, and the general education competency areas and outcomes.

Courses that carry general education credit are identified in the course description by using the GE designation. Course lists are also available and can be viewed by clicking on the following links: humanities (GE:HU); fine arts (GE:FA); natural sciences (GE:SC); social sciences (GE:SO) ; health promotion (GE:HL); health-related physical activity (GE:EX); written communication (GE:EN); and mathematics (GE:MA).

Many majors have specific general education requirements and students should check the requirements for their intended major prior to selecting general education courses. For example, some majors may require specific humanities, fine arts, mathematics, natural sciences, and/or social sciences courses. Courses in the student’s major (as determined by the major prefix area) may not count toward general education requirements.

The general education requirement is 40 semester hours as follows:

1. Humanities and Fine Arts (GE:HU; GE:FA) - 9 semester hours  (Select at least one course in humanities and one course in fine arts.)
2. Natural Sciences (GE:SC) - 7 semester hours (At least one course must require laboratory work.)
3. Social Sciences (GE:SO) - 9 semester hours (Select courses from at least two major prefix areas. )
4. Health Promotion and Health-Related Physical Activity (GE:HL; GE:EX) - 3 semester hours (Select at least one course in each area.)
5. Written Communication (GE:EN) - 6 semester hours (Select ENGL 1100 and ENGL 1200 or ENGL 2201.)
6. Mathematics (GE:MA) - 3 semester hours (Select any 3 s.h. course that receives the general education mathematics designation that is at least equivalent to MATH 1050 or MATH 1065 or MATH 1066 or three hours of logic at least equivalent to PHIL 1500. If logic is used to satisfy this requirement, it may not be used to satisfy the humanities requirement for the baccalaureate degree.)
7. General Education Elective - 3 semester hours (Select any 3 s.h. course that receives either humanities, fine arts, mathematics, natural sciences, or social science general education credit.)

Special Requirements for the BA Degree

All candidates for the BA degree must demonstrate foreign language proficiency through level 2004 as part of their degree requirements. For more information about the foreign language requirement see Placement Testing, Foreign Language .

The number of required credits for a major shall not be fewer than 30 semester hours or more than 36 semester hours.  A candidate for the BA degree must declare a minor if required. Some BA degrees require a concentration and/or specified cognates instead of a minor. However, a BA degree may require a minor and a concentration and/or specified cognates. The number of required credits for a minor shall not be fewer than 18 semester hours or more than 30 semester hours.

Special Requirements for the BS Degree for Students Preparing to Teach

Until June 30, 2017, a minimum GPA of 2.5 is required for admission to and retention in the teacher education program. On or after July 1, 2017, a minimum GPA of 2.7 is required for admission to and retention in the teacher education program. Additionally, PRAXIS Core or SAT or ACT scores and computer competency requirements must be met. Students will complete an electronic portfolio, which includes signature assessments from the program. To qualify for a North Carolina teaching license, the student must complete the requirements of an approved competency-based teacher education program designed to meet the requirements for the professional studies components of programs in all teaching areas. All teacher education majors should consult their advisors to select appropriate courses which may be required as cognates in their academic discipline.

East Carolina University requires academic concentrations for all majors in elementary education, middle grades education, and physical education. Academic concentration requirements are listed in the College of Education subsection. Students should consult their departmental advisor for specific information about this component of their program.

For majors in birth through kindergarten, and K-12 programs, see BS degree curricula for students preparing to teach under appropriate department or school. Minors are required in some fields but not in others. Students should check the major requirements presented in the department and school listings to determine if a minor is required in a particular field.

Writing Intensive Requirement

Students enrolling at East Carolina University must fulfill the writing across the curriculum requirement prior to graduation. To do so, each student must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours of writing intensive courses, typically including ENGL 1100 , ENGL 1200  or  ENGL 2201 ; at least 3 semester hours of writing intensive courses in the major; and any other 3 semester hours writing intensive course of the student’s choice. Students entering the university with transfer credit for ENGL 1200  or ENGL 2201  have satisfied the general education requirement in the area of English. Such students are still required to complete a total of 12 semester hours of credit in writing intensive courses. All dual degree students will be required to complete at least three semester hours of writing intensive course work in each major. Writing intensive courses/sections of courses are identified each semester in the course schedule listing and will be designated WI on the student’s transcript. A course will transfer into ECU as WI under two conditions. The course must either be a writing intensive course in a writing across the curriculum program at the university or college where it was taken, and/or the course must have the words “writing” or “communication” (e.g., “Writing for Business and Industry” or “Business Communications”) in the course title. Courses meeting either of these two criteria will be accepted as WI, and count as writing intensive for ECU degree requirements.

A list of courses that have been awarded the writing intensive designations (WI or WI*) can be viewed by going to the course section of this catalog.

Academic Support Services

Academic Advising and Support Center

The Academic Advising and Support Center assists students through academic referral and workshops for students on warning or probation. The office staff can provide information on academic policies and procedures and information about academic support programs provided in academic units and other areas. Students may visit the center or access the center’s Web site at www.ecu.edu/advising.

Academic Appeals and Exceptions

Assistance to students at East Carolina University dealing with academic appeals and exceptions to academic policies, course re-evaluations, graduation issues and concerns, over hour approvals, permission to take courses at other colleges and/or universities, residency for in-state tuition (initial undergraduate classification), residency appeals, schedule reinstatements, special adds, transfer student services, transfer course equivalencies, and withdrawals from the university are handled through the Office of the Registrar.

Pirate Tutoring Center

The Pirate Tutoring Center (PTC) offers ECU students the following academic support and success services: tutoring assistance with undergraduate coursework in both face to face and digital formats, individual study skills development sessions, academic support workshops, peer academic mentoring, The Freshman Immersion Program, and Starfish-outreach.

The Pirate Tutoring Center is located in the 2300 wing of the Old Cafeteria Complex. Students can make appointments by calling 252-737-3009 or in person. More information is available about PTC services and tutoring sessions at www.ecu.edu/piratetutoringcenter or by e-mail at tutoring@ecu.edu. All services are free to ECU enrolled students.

Pre-Professional Advising Center for Allied Health, Medicine, Dentistry, and Law

The Pre-Professional Advising Center for Allied Health, Medicine, Dentistry, and Law provides programs and information to students interested in pursuing careers and/or graduate studies in the allied health and law sectors. The center houses professional advisors for allied health majors. Students are encouraged to visit the center to learn about professional schools, prepare for standardized tests, attend special workshops, and receive individual assistance.

Student Transitions

Student Transitions (OST) provides a coordinated, comprehensive approach to enhancing success for all students; provides services and supports required for improving student satisfaction, academic success and student retention; and provides services that enhance in and out of classroom student engagement and career readiness.  The work of Student Transitions is grounded in student development theory and encompasses the following areas: New Student Orientation, Transfer Student Orientation, Freshman Seminar (COAD 1000), Plunge Into Purple, New Student Welcome and Convocation, Pirate Read, Pirate to Pirate Mentoring (P2P), Camp P.I.R.A.T.E.S., Sophmore to Senior Programming, Student Veteran Services, and Transfer Student Services (www.ecu.edu/studenttransitions).

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation assists students and family members with the transition to the university. With the assistance of departments within the university community, the office provides academic and student life information for all new students and family.

The purpose of orientation is to inform students about the academic requirements of the university and to prepare them for the transition into the university classroom. During orientation, students may take a placement test in mathematics so that they may register for the appropriate course. Students will also meet with an advisor and register for classes. In addition, orientation provides the opportunity for family and students to become knowledgeable about student life programs offered at East Carolina University. Participants will become acquainted with faculty, staff, student leaders, and other new students and family members.

For more information about New Student Orientation, telephone 252-328-4173, or access the Web site at www.ecu.edu/orientation.

Entering transfer students should contact the assistant director of Student Transfer Services at 252-328-6077 or access the Web page at www.ecu.edu/transfer.

Freshman Seminar (COAD 1000)

The Office of Student Transitions offers COAD 1000 (Student Development and Learning in Higher Education) to first year students including transfer students. The course meets twice weekly and helps students transition to college life. While in the course, students focus on the development of academic skills, learning processes, and career decision-making skills. Students who successfully complete the course earn one semester hours of graduation credit. Special topic sessions are available for student veterans, LGBT, male students, transfer students and first generation students http://(www.ecu.edu/studenttransitions).

Pirate to Pirate (P2P) Mentoring

The Peer Mentoring Program provides support that optimizes the transition of first-year students at East Carolina University and provides opportunities for students to develop leadership skills. To be successfully retained, incoming students need formal and informal academic and social connections. Through this informal social network, students gain the confidence and communication skills to properly develop informal academic connections with their professors and peers. Programming includes topics on leadership, career services, diversity as well as social events such as bowling (www.ecu.edu/studenttransitions).

Pirate Read (First Year Common Read)

The Pirate Read aims to orient students to the academic community, to prepare students for the college-level environment, to allow students to share a common reading experience with fellow classmates, faculty, and staff and to enable students and faculty to discuss ideas from the book across the curriculum. The Pirate Read committee brings together faculty from across the campus along with Student Affairs educators to select the book and coordinate various educational and co-curricular activities (www.ecu.edu/pirateread).

Student Veteran Services

Student Veteran Services provides a seamless transition for student veterans both academically and socially by assisting them in becoming fully integrated into the East Carolina University community by educating, preparing, and engaging. Student Veteran Services provides supportive services necessary to ensure that student veterans are successful in their academic pursuits, adjust to the campus environment, and eventually transition to civilian employment.  Programming and services include COAD 1000 , Pirate Veteran Organization, SALUTE National Honor Society, mentoring, and a VA VetSuccess Counselor (www.ecu.edu/veterans).

Additional Support Services

Career Services

Career Services supports and empowers students in their career development to succeed as professionals in a global community. The following is a list of services and programs Career Services utilizes to assist students:

1. Counseling (one-on-one)

• Career Counseling/Career Education
• Graduate School Preparation
• Interview Preparation and Practice
• Job and Internship Search
• Job Offer Evaluation/Negotiation
• MBTI or CFNC assessment debriefing
• Personal Statements and Graduate School Essays

2. Counseling (Walk-In)

15 Minute walk-in meetings with career services staff, Monday-Friday from 11am-3pm.

3. CO-Operative Education

The staff collaborates with faculty, employers, and students to help develop and facilitate internships and cooperative education opportunities.

4. Employer Relations and Recruitment

An employer relations team helps connect ECU students and alumni with employers.

5. Presentations and Workshops

Staff present career-related topics to academic classes and campus groups throughout the year.

6. Internship and Employment Posting

Career Services hosts a database called ECU CareerNET, a multi-functional Career Management System that lists thousands of employment opportunities exclusive to ECU students and alumni.

7. Online Services and Technology

• ECU CareerNET - Hundreds of jobs and internships
• CFNC - College Foundation of North Carolina
• Interview Stream - Practice interviewing technology
• Career Shift - National job postings and contacts
• Resume Samples

8. Student Business Cards

Students can print personalized business cards for networking events and career fairs.

9. Career Fairs
Throughout the year Career Services hosts numerous employment, graduate and pre-professional fairs to connect students with hiring recruiters from local, national, and global companies.

10. POP - Pirates on the Porch
On select weekdays, POP events host a variety of employers to meet and greet with ECU students in an informal networking setting.

11. Career Leadership Conference

This one-day conference educates students on career readiness and leadership topics.

12. Professional Etiquette Dinner

This annual event helps students learn what to expect and how to perform at formal networking events. This five courses interactive dinner will be hosted by a national professional Etiquette Consultant. Business attire, is required.

13. Information Sessions

Each semester, employers from various industries visit ECU to recruit students and conduct information sessions about their organizations.

14. On Campus Interviews

Employers visit campus to meet students and conduct interviews for internships and full-time jobs.

15. Presentations

Career Services offers a variety of presentations on topics that include: resume and cover letter writing, internships and CO-Ops, interviewing, job searching, and social media.

Each academic college throughout ECU has a career counselor who is a liaison dedicated to provide services to the students and faculty within each college. Information about Career Services is available at www.ecu.edu/career or by calling 252-328-6050.

Testing Services

The Testing Center is a member of the National College Testing Association’s (NCTA) Consortium of College Testing Centers. The Testing Center administers national college entrance, credentialing, licensure, and certification exams. Some of the major testing programs administered by the Testing Center include: Scholastic Assessment Tests (SAT), the American College Tests (ACT), College-Level Examination Program Exams (CLEP), Graduate Record Exams (GRE), PRAXIS Teacher Licensure Exams, Law School Admission Tests (LSAT), Miller Analogies Tests (MAT), Certified Health Educators Exams (CHES), National Board of Certified Counselors Exams (NBCC), Pharmacy College Admission Tests (PCAT), National League of Nursing Pre-Admission Exams, and Pearson VUE Exams. The Testing Center does offer exit exam proctoring services for academic departments upon request. Additionally, pre-employment and promotion exams for local municipalities are administered by the Testing Center. Upon request, the Testing Center will proctor individually arranged exams such as correspondence tests for individuals taking courses outside of the University of North Carolina System. The Testing Center is located in D-102 of the Brewster Building. Further information is available by calling 252-328-6811.

University Writing Center

The University Writing Center provides support for all writing in the university. The main site of the University Writing Center is on the first floor of Joyner Library (1015); however, satellite locations are available in the Health Sciences Building (1504) and Bate Building (2005). Students are encouraged to visit the University Writing Center at least twenty-four hours before an assignment is due to discuss a piece of writing with a trained writing consultant. Students may access additional resources, including the online writing lab for students enrolled in distance education courses, through the University Writing Program Web site, www.ecu.edu/writing.

Graduation Requirements

A student may expect to obtain a degree in accordance with the requirements set forth in the undergraduate catalog in force when he or she enters the university or under subsequent undergraduate catalogs published while he or she is a student. However, a student is restricted in choice to the requirements of one specific undergraduate catalog. Students who enter the university under the requirements of a catalog have a period of five years, inclusive and continuous, in which to claim the degree requirements of that academic catalog.

Students pursuing a second undergraduate degree must select a catalog issued no more than three years prior to completion of the second degree program.

In order to graduate, all students must have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a GPA of 2.0 in the major. If a student completes required courses in his or her major and takes other courses in that field as electives, these additional courses as well as cognate courses will be counted in computing the major GPA. Grades made on courses taken at other colleges and universities will not be considered except in the calculation of graduation with honors. Official transcripts must be on file in the Office of the Registrar.

Degrees with Distinction

Based on all work attempted at all higher education institutions throughout the students’ academic career and without regard to institutional practices which substitute or “forgive” grades, three levels of distinction are granted to graduating undergraduate students as follows:

1. Summa Cum Laude for a cumulative average of 3.90
2. Magna Cum Laude for a cumulative average of 3.60
3. Cum Laude for a cumulative average of 3.50

First Undergraduate Degree

Degrees with distinction are granted to transfer students under the following conditions.

1. The student must complete through enrollment in East Carolina University at least one-half the minimum number of hours required for the degree.
2. The student must have the required average on all work taken through enrollment in East Carolina University.
3. The student must have a cumulative average that meets the requirements for the appropriate degree with distinction on all work attempted (all ECU and transfer work, including courses where the grade replacement policy has been applied). If transfer work includes grades of D or F, those grades will be included in the calculation for degrees of distinction.

Second Undergraduate Degree

Second undergraduate degrees with distinction are awarded under the following conditions.

1. The student must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours through enrollment in East Carolina University.
2. The student must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 on course work for the second degree and a cumulative average that meets the requirement for the degree with distinction on all course work attempted for the first degree as well as for the second degree.
3. If transfer work includes grades of D or F, those grades will be included in the calculation for degrees of distinction.

Degree Works Evaluation

Students are encouraged to meet with advisors at least two semesters before graduation. At this meeting, a Degree Works audit will be evaluated. The purpose of the evaluation is to provide the student with a record of remaining requirements for graduation. Final degree certification is processed by the Office of the Registrar using the student’s Degree Works audit. The final responsibility for meeting all academic requirements for the degree rests with the student.

All graduation requirements must be met before the first day of the subsequent term, as shown below:

Graduation Application and Commencement

Application deadlines for graduation are available on the Office of the Registrar website. The application should be completed at least one semester prior to graduation online through Pirate Port. Seats for the ceremony can be reserved by going to the Commencement website. Important commencement announcements can also be found on this website.